New York State Summer School of the Arts

Molly Hennighausen, Executive Director

The object of the summer school of the arts is to provide high school students {…}, having exceptional and artistic skills and talents who are interested in pursuing professional careers in the arts, an opportunity to receive advanced training on the highest professional level from distinguished artists…

Peter Martins, Artistic Director of New York City Ballet and NYSSSA School of Ballet

Legislative Objective of NYSSSAArticle 7 of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Law

About NYSSSA

Ballet Archives - 1979

1970 1976 ’88 ‘89 2011 Present

Approximately 17,235 young artists have attended NYSSSA since the pilot project was founded in 1970.

Schools are staffed by acclaimed artists and companies, such as the New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra.

Programs take place across the state at Skidmore College, SUNY Fredonia, SUNY Alfred, and SUNY Delhi.

Historical Timeline

2017Approximately 900 students auditioned and applied to NYSSSA from 409 high schools across New York State.

347 students gained acceptance and attended the program.

188 faculty and guest artists from around the world worked with NYSSSA students on their craft.

Geographical distribution of 2017 attendees.

A day in the life…

During the 1-month residential program, students:

► Attend classes 5-6 days a week for 7-12 hours a day

► Receive both one-on-one and group instruction

► Attend professional workshops from visiting artists

► Explore the history and culture behind their chosen discipline

Tuition Assistance

Students are admitted into NYSSSA on a need-blind basis, ensuring that NYSSSA is representative of New York’s wide spectrum of economic, cultural, ethnic, and social diversity.

Visual Arts

79 students were chosen through portfolio reviews to work in 2D and 3D arts including drawing and painting; metal, clay, wood, and mixed media sculpture; textiles mixed media; figure studies; and printmaking.

Students learn from 14 full-time faculty while also attending presentations by and workshops with guest artists from around the country.

Selected works are archived as part of the NYSSSA permanent collection and can be viewed throughout the State in various Agency Buildings.

SUNY Fredonia

Media Arts

27 students were accepted to study photography, film, video, sound art, and computer animation.

Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment while studying media fundamentals, aesthetics, and receiving instruction in new techniques and processes.

Through nightly guest lectures, contemporary work viewings, and film screenings, students are taught how to analyze and discuss art and the artistic process, including their own processes.

SUNY Alfred

Choral Studies

46 students participated in SCS, attending classes in musicianship, music history, opera, musical theatre, and stage presence.

Each student learns repertory as a member of the Full Choir, Mens/Womens Choir, and Small Ensemble.

Students attend concerts, get backstage passes to opera dress rehearsals, and perform at the Chautauqua Institute.

SUNY Fredonia

Theatre

28 students participate in intensive, pre-professional training, taking daily classes in acting, movement, voice, and scene study.

Students also study other theater disciplines such as stage combat, comedy and impulse improvisation, mask, and playwriting.

Students interact with both emerging and established artists through new work readings, performances, and workshops.

SUNY Delhi

Modern Dance

24 students were selected to participate based on their technical and creative potential to study with a range of professional dancers and choreographers.

Dancers take daily classes in technique, conditioning, and repertory.

Program works in partnership with the American Dance Legacy Institute and the associated dance company.

Skidmore College

Ballet

57 students trained with NYSSSA Ballet faculty and New York City Ballet (NYCB) dancers.

Students attend nightly NYCB performances at SPAC, providing them with the opportunity to watch their teachers perform.

Students take technique, pointe, character, jazz, pas de deux, and elements of physical therapy classes. When not dancing, they study the history of ballet and dance.

Skidmore College

Orchestral Studies

77 students were selected for 2017. Students performed in the full orchestra, wind and string ensembles, and small chamber ensembles.

NYSSSA musicians are coached by Philadelphia Orchestra members. In addition to extensive rehearsals, students take classes in musicianship, theory, and music history.

Students perform nightly at the SPAC Gazebo prior to Philadelphia Orchestra performances.

Skidmore College

A Letter of SupportAfter the program ended, we received numerous letters and emails from students, parents, and even community members who came to performances in support of the New York State School of the Arts. This is one of many.

Dear Ms. Hennighausen,

This letter is to express how the Summer School of the Arts program impacted my child.

Since the final presentations in Delhi, I have been witness to two gatherings of students from this class. They gathered once on Long Island and a second time in Albany. It was as if I had a front row view for a “Glee” show. I observed and heard monologues, singing of Broadway tunes, solos, improv, and scene acting.

How lucky these kids are to have had an opportunity to attend such a program. The teachers taught and challenged them every day. The program may have ended but the kids are continuing to practice what they learned.

State support of such a program is crucial to the development of our artistic young adults. It provides the secure and supportive platform for these students to evolve their skills.

I have been blessed to continue to hear their voices as I drive them around New York State. Thank you.

- Parent of a 2017 Theatre Student